any of various aromatic trees of the laurel family
"The gardener carefully pruned the ancient laurel to keep its branches from shading out the flowers beneath it."
United States slapstick comedian (born in England) who played the scatterbrained and often tearful member of the Laurel and Hardy duo who made many films (1890-1965)
"Stan Laurel was known for his role as the scatterbrained partner in the classic comedy duo."
(antiquity) a wreath of laurel foliage worn on the head as an emblem of victory
"The ancient athlete proudly wore a laurel around his brow to celebrate his triumph in the games."
Laurus nobilis, an evergreen shrub having aromatic leaves of a lanceolate shape, with clusters of small, yellowish white flowers in their axils.
"She was honored as a laurel at her recent Young Women conference because she had served faithfully for two years."
A 16- to 17-year-old participant in the Young Women organization of the LDS Church.
In plain English: A laurel is an evergreen plant with shiny, dark green leaves that was historically used to make wreaths for winners of competitions or heroes.
"The poet wore an olive wreath instead of laurel because he did not wish to be associated with fame."
Usage: Use "laurel" to refer specifically to the bay tree or its symbolic association with victory and honor rather than generic evergreen foliage. When used as a verb, it describes the act of crowning someone for achievement, often in historical or metaphorical contexts.
To decorate with laurel, especially with a laurel wreath.
"The ancient Greeks would crown their victorious athletes by decorating them with fresh laurel leaves."
In plain English: To laurel means to win something important, usually by getting an award for your achievements.
"She feels she has not yet had her hour in the sun, even though she won many awards early on."
A female given name from English from the laurel plant.
"The baby girl was named Laurel after her mother's favorite flower, the fragrant evergreen shrub."
The word "laurel" comes from the Latin word laurus, which also means "laurel." It entered English through Middle English and Old French variations.